A FORMER Humberside Police chief superintendent is being questioned by the police watchdog over the way his current force handled allegations of sexual abuse.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the chief constable of Wiltshire Police, Patrick Geenty, an inspector and a detective constable from the force about the way they dealt with complaints lodged in 2008 and 2009.
Mr Geenty previously held several senior positions at Humberside Police, including superintendent for operations in Hull, divisional commander for the East Riding and head of corporate development.
Sarah Green, IPCC deputy chair, said: "It is vital the public are confident police forces will take their complaints seriously and act with honesty and integrity.
"Our investigation will seek to establish whether information was knowingly withheld and whether these complainants were knowingly and dishonestly misled."
The matter was referred to the IPCC by the Wiltshire force regarding the inspector and detective constable and by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in relation to Mr Geenty on August 29, following complaints.
The allegations are that in 2009, the then detective inspector and detective constable, having examined the way the force dealt with the sexual abuse allegations, withheld information from the complainants as to the extent of the force's failings.
It is also alleged that the then assistant chief constable, Mr Geenty, also withheld information and misled the complainants.
Angus Macpherson, police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "The investigation comes after I contacted the IPCC on August 29. I made this contact after considering complaints that were referred to my office by the force earlier that month.
"In line with process, on September 16, Mr Geenty was served papers by the IPCC. As expected, these papers outlined allegations which, if proved, would amount to gross misconduct."
Mr Geenty was divisional commander for the East Riding at the time of the devastating floods in 2007.
Despite the current investigation, he is to continue in his role in Wiltshire.
Mr Macpherson said: "The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint and that is what I am waiting for.
"Nothing has been placed before me at this stage which, in my judgement, would justify suspension. If new evidence is produced by the enquiry team, I will review my decision.
"It would not be appropriate to make any further comment while the IPCC investigation is under way."
